Case Study: Why You Should Always Consider Other Opportunities
Over the years, we’ve included case studies in our monthly newsletter articles. These case studies are designed to serve as an example—both of what to do and what not to do in specific situations. And we have another case study this month.
This case study underscores the importance of always considering other opportunities.
However, before we address the case study, let’s set the stage. When I contact a candidate about a possible employment opportunity, one that I believe may be better than the one they currently have and could help pave the way for more career success, they sometimes respond with the following statement:
“I am not considering other opportunities at this time.”
Now you would probably agree that everybody’s employment situation falls into either one of two categories. Those categories are as follows:
- You’re going to retire with your current organization.
- You’re going to eventually make a move and take another position.
Into which of these two categories do YOU fall? Are you planning to retire with your current employer? If not, then you’re going to eventually make a move. And if you’re going to make a move, then you should always consider other opportunities . . . especially when they’re presented to you and you don’t have to do anything to find them.
The best time to strategically look for a stronger position is when you have a good job now. This is because you have the leverage necessary to look for such a position. That brings us to the case study.
I recently contacted a candidate about a position for which I believed she would be a fit. However, she did not respond right away. In fact, it took her nearly three weeks to respond.
When she finally did respond, she indicated that her current job would be ending at the conclusion of the month due to a re-alignment with her employer. As you might imagine, she was now interested in the position about which I had contacted her.
The problem: the position had already been filled.
You’ve probably heard this expression before: “You snooze, you lose.” This candidate snoozed, so this candidate loses. However, it didn’t have to be this way.
When you’re always open to considering other opportunities, then you never lose out on other opportunities. It doesn’t cost you anything to consider these opportunities. If they turn out to not be what you want, then you can simply stay where you are.
Just because you consider an opportunity doesn’t mean that you’re obligated to take it. On the other hand, how do you know what opportunity you’re turning down if you don’t explore it? After all, there’s no decision to make unless you have an offer in your hand.
Remember: the best time to look for a great job is when you already have a good one. Don’t wait until you need a job. Be open to looking now, so you can work from a position of strength—instead of a position of weakness.
We help support careers in one of two ways: 1. By helping to find the right opportunity when the time is right, and 2. By helping to recruit top talent for the critical needs of organizations. If this is something you would like to explore further, please send an email to stacy@thevetrecruiter.com.